Chapter 19: Shadow Contract II

As Ram examined the contract more closely, he uncovered further conditions that added to the gravity of his commitment.

In addition to his 15-year service obligation to the Shadow Society, the contract included clauses specifying certain tasks and mandatory missions that he was required to perform on a regular basis.

Among the stipulations, some provisions dictated his loyalty to the Shadow Society above all else, forbidding any form of allegiance or collaboration with rival factions or organizations.

These mandatory missions also required him to complete a set number of tasks each month, each one more demanding.

From reconnaissance missions to intelligence gathering, combat training to covert operations, and various miscellaneous tasks, the scope of his responsibilities within the Shadow Society appeared vast and immeasurable.

Moreover, he was bound by strict confidentiality clauses that mandated secrecy, forbidding the disclosure of any details regarding the inner mechanisms of the Shadow Society to outsiders, under penalty of harsh repercussions.

"F-ck," he cursed, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. "Isn't it kind of similar to a slave contract..." Despite the additional benefits it offered, such as access to the Shadow Society's resources, the contract felt like chains binding him to a fate he had not chosen.

With a heavy heart, Ram took a few seconds to consider his options before resigning himself to the inevitable.

He signed the contract, realizing that at this moment, he had no other viable choice.

Signing now meant buying himself time to consider alternative courses of action later.

Signing the contract is straightforward, but it requires leaving a unique imprint of one's spiritual power.

This imprint is impossible for others to forge and easy to verify.

After he finished signing, the paper before him spontaneously ignited, transforming into a stream of light that flowed into his left hand and materialized as a tattoo with an unfamiliar, unique symbol.

The moment the tattoo materialized, he felt as if invisible shackles had bound his body, and shortly after that, Ram received a communication device similar to his old Sky Drive.

However, this one was different; it could only function within the Shadow Society's network and was incapable of sending messages outside of it.

Ram nodded in acknowledgment, and slung the backpack over his shoulder, feeling the weight of his new belongings.

After leaving the registration office, Ram went to a nearby restroom to change clothes. Once he was dressed, he left the facility.

This time, there were no guards following him.

As Xia Lin had mentioned earlier, he was free to do whatever he wanted, except that he needed to pay a certain amount of Shadow coins or complete some missions every month.

Failing to do so would be considered a breach of contract, giving the Shadow Society the right to do whatever they wanted with him.

Just as Ram stepped outside the registration office, he was stunned by what he saw.

The base of the Shadow Society was a sprawling, bustling complex.

High-tech buildings and advanced infrastructure stretched as far as the eye could see, seamlessly blending into the natural landscape around them.

Everywhere he looked, he saw signs of advanced technology and organized activity, a stark contrast to the underground city he had known before.

People moved purposefully, each engaged in their own tasks. There were individuals in uniforms similar to the guard who had escorted him, armed and vigilant.

Others wore different attire, indicating various roles and professions within the society.

Holographic displays and signs provided directions and information, creating a futuristic yet organized atmosphere.

Ram wasn't impressed by the fancy tech or the busy crowds, what really knocked him sideways was when he shifted his focus to look at the sky, yes, he was not in the underground anymore but on one of the bases of shadow society on the surface of the Blue St..... "Holy...shit...!" he blurted out, completely awestruck.

A massive blue planet filled most of the sky, so enormous that it stretched from horizon to horizon.

The planet glowed with an eerie azure light, and the only details visible on its surface were the swirling clouds that danced across its face.

Ram stood in awe, captivated by the surreal and breathtaking sight before him.